• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial problems.

To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive examination. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention or forgetfulness.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an assessment. They may inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the evaluation it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of adhd diagnosis adults are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.

The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.